Role of electronic states in ion transportation for high energy density Li–S batteries

In this research, we investigated the significant influence of electronic states on the improvement of ion transport in oxide intercalated sulfur–based composite cathodes for Li–S batteries (LSBs). We optimize the vibrational modes of crystalline sulfur and their influence on ion transport mechanisms through the application of Raman spectroscopy and group theory. The electronic states and the Tuinstra–Koenig relation (ID/IG) in composite materials resulted in improved ion transport, stabilization of polysulfide species, and enhanced cycling performance of LSBs. Our findings underscore the significance of electronic states to enhance the performance and longevity of high–energy–density LSBs, thereby providing design principles for next–generation cathodes with higher energy density and longevity.